Explore Secondary
PEN’s programs take some of the mystery and stress out of finding a middle school or high school program for your child, and give you an idea of what to expect during these key transition periods in your child’s education.
Transition to Middle School
Can’t quite believe that your child is going to be going to school with adolescents? That he or she will become an adolescent in a year or two? For parents of upper-grade elementary school students, the first glimpse of middle school can be daunting.
Middle School Myth vs. Reality: Parent Panel
Fall 2024 (Oct. 22, 2024)
PUSD has three stand-alone middle schools (grades 6-8), one K-8 school, and two 6-12 schools: so many options! Learn what your student will get at any PUSD middle school, as well as the programs and features unique to the different schools. Following our presentation, you’ll hear perspectives from a panel of parents with children attending the various middle schools. This program will definitely take some of the stress out of the middle school decision-making process. View program recording from Fall 2023. Additional materials & resources:
Overview of the Middle School Options (slide presentation)
Escuelas intermedias en pusd: resumen de las opciones (diapositivas de presentación)Middle School PEN Fact Sheets
Navigating Open Enrollment in PUSD
december 2024 (TBA) virtual program
Families in any grade level in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre may apply for admission to PUSD schools other than their assigned neighborhood school through the Open Enrollment process. Students are accepted based on availability and a random lottery process. PEN representatives explain the process and the timelines, and answer questions. PEN’s Open Enrollment virtual presentation and slides are available for viewing in English (y tambien en español: Navegando por la inscripción abierta - diapositivas / grabación de vídeo). More detailed information is available on PEN’s Open Enrollment page.
TRANSITION TO Middle School
SPring 2025 (Virtual)
Middle school brain - it’s a real thing! This program helps parents learn what to expect when their 5th graders start middle school. With the help of experienced middle school teachers, we talk about:
Middle School Brain - it’s a real thing!
Scaffolding - supporting students as they become more independent
Tips and tools to help parents stay on top of the important stuff
Presentation, handouts, and links to additional resources from previous “Hello Middle School” programs available here.
Transition to High School (and beyond!)
High School Options
FALL 2024 (Oct. 29 - virtual)
Four high schools, eight college and career academies, AP and IB classes, new graduation requirements – What does it all mean for your student? Get an overview of PUSD’s options, a glossary of high school-specific terms and acronyms, and a framework for comparing key offerings and features. Parents & students from Blair, Marshall, Muir, and PHS will have a panel discussion and then be available for a meet and greet. Watch the program recording from 2023.
Handouts include:
What Makes HS Different/Overview of the Options (2024 Powerpoint slides)
Glossary of high school-specific terms and acronyms [Terminología en Español]
PEN HS Feature Matrix (2024) – compares size, electives and key features across high schools
PUSD Graduation Profile & Requirements - Student must pass courses with C or better to meet college A-G requirements.
College & Career Academies - They’re Not Your Parents Trade Tech Classes!
Dual & Concurrent Enrollment options
Class of 2024 college and university acceptances & UC Admission rates
TRansition to High School
Spring 2025 (TBA)
High school is an important transition time between early adolescence and (gulp!) adulthood. This program, offered in conjunction with PUSD, covers what parents & caregivers need to know to make a well-informed transition from middle school to high school. Topics include:
Course scheduling timeline and options
Requirements for graduation and college admissions
Your student’s 4-year Academic Plan
Role of high school counselors
How parents can stay in the loop and make sure their student is on track and taking advantage of opportunities and resources
Video recording / Slide Deck / Q&A Notes + Resource links
pusd-to-College program series
PEN offers programs that can help parents plan for and navigate the path through high school and into college. Topics include:
Finding the "Right Fit" College -
See video recording - slide deck - Q&A notes - additional resources (from Spring 2024)
Ultimate College Roadmap for MS & HS parents
See slides * additional links/resources * recording (from Spring 2024)